Can palpitations eventually weaken or damage the heart?

[AO111]

I get heart palpitations (pounding or fast heartbeat) when I'm having an anxiety or panic attack but more recently I've been having chest pain after the attack is over. Never during the attack but when it's done my chest hurts right where my heart is located. Of course now I'm thinking my heart has been weakened or damaged some how from all the palpitations I've had over the years.

[RubyWitch]

Good. Because the more you stress about them, the worse they get.
They are annoying and scary but the amount of stress a palp puts on your heart is negligable at best.
Peace
Greenlydia

[AO111]

Thanks. It just seems like with all that pounding and beating hard during palps the heart would be under a lot of stress. I'm not really worried about it too much, was just curious.

[RubyWitch]

No they do not damage your heart. The heart muscle is unbeliveably strong and can well withstand the palps that come during an anxiety or panic attack. Chest pain is very common during and after a severe panic attack, but it is unlikely that's it your heart. During an attack, our muscles become extremely tensed and that is most probably what you are interpreting as "heart" pain.

I strongly suggest the next time you see your doctor, have this discussion with him. I think if your doctor reassures you that these palps can be  uncomfortable and scary, they are harmless.

After 40+ years of heart palps, if they damaged your heart, I'd have been a goner a very long time ago.

Check out the Heart Rhythm Forum. Some of those folks there have no anxiety or panic or heart disease at all, but have up to 2,000 palps a day!
Try to imagine THAT! They are a great source of heart info and are incredibly compassionate. Give them a look for some peace of mind. I know you'll find it there.
Peace
Greenlydia